Meet the Team

Meet Your ORLA Team

ORLA's dedicated team works to protect and promote the hospitality industry. United by a shared mission, we support our members, strengthen the industry, and ensure its vibrant future.

Executive Leadership

Jason Brandt

President & CEO
Favorite Place: Silver Falls State Park
Food: Pad Kee Mao

John Hamilton

Chief Operating Officer
Favorite Place: In the mountains
Food: Slow-n-low bbq, pizza

Administrative

Jessica Benfield

Controller
Favorite Place: Thor’s Wall
Food: Pulled Pork Nachos

Kira Miles

Accounting and Database Coordinator
Favorite Place: Haystack Rock
Food: Pasta & Chocolate Lava Cake

Business Development & Membership

Marla Douglas

Director of Business Development
Favorite Place: Deschutes River
Food: Tacos at ¿Por Qué No?

Steve Scardina

Membership Manager
Favorite Place: Columbia River
Food: Pasta

Events & Trade Show

Lauri Byerly

Events & Program Manager
Favorite Place: Crater Lake
Food: Sushi

Corrie Bridges

Trade Show Manager
Favorite Place: Somewhere on the lake
Food: Smash Burgers

Government Affairs

Greg Astley

Director of Government Affairs

Favorite Place: Historic Jordan Covered Bridge in Stayton
Food: Grilled, Smoked, Roasted, BBQ’d

Aidan Earls

Executive Coordinator, Government Affairs
Favorite Place: Sisters, Oregon
Food: Seafood Paella

Marketing & Communications

Lori Little

Director of Communications
Favorite Place: Haystack Rock
Food: Salmon Bites & Cajun Tots

Heidi Janke

Marketing Manager
Favorite Place: Cape Kiwanda
Food: Cranberry Relish

Tina Lancaster

Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Favorite Place: Mt. Bachelor / Bend
Food: Sushi

Oregon Hospitality Foundation

Courtney Smith

ProStart Manager
Favorite Place: On top of a snowy mountain
Food: Sushi

Rebecca Donley

Workforce Strategist
Favorite Place: “Not Just Another” Little Antique Mall in Lincoln City
Food: Cinnamon Rolls from Grateful Bread Bakery

ORLA Contractors

Paul Folkestad

ServSafe Manager Trainer

Favorite Place: Cascade Head Ranch on the coast
Food: Cheese!